Full Version: HP 1012?
From: geebeau [#1]
18 Dec 2004
To: ALL
Hi,all..
Anyone have any experience with or opinion on the HP 1012 laser printer?
I'm looking for an entry-level printer for single-color laser sublimation.
Thanx,
Steve
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#2]
18 Dec 2004
To: geebeau [#1] 18 Dec 2004
Steve,
I use an HP 1012 for printing on vellum paper for developing photo resists for sandcarving. I love the printer because it has great resolution, very opaque coverage of solid areas, instantaneous printing, and his a very small footprint. I keep mine in a cabinet under my computer.
I have used it for a year and have had no issues. For sublimation it may take on a whole different personality, but it would be worth the try.
If you take the plunge, let us know how it goes.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
19 Dec 2004
To: geebeau [#1] 19 Dec 2004
Steve,
I don't have an opinion on the HP 1012, but when you say entry level for single-color (monochrome) sublimation, the undisputed way to go, are the HP Laserjet 3s and 4s (my opinion).
Yes, they've been out of production for many years, though, refurbs are plentiful. Not only are they plentiful, but they're bullet-proof.
I've used a (refurb) HP Laserjet 4 for over four years (lost count, probably more), both for sublimation and traditional printing, and despite my total lack of attention and utter neglect, it just keeps on going and going...
As David Takes says, there can be a difference in how a given printer will adapt to sublimation, as opposed to use with OEM toner.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 19 Dec 2004 by DGL
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#4]
21 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 21 Dec 2004
David, et al... I want to expand into the sublimation arena. What is your recommendation on which equipment to start with? Do you feel it better to start with the laser or would an ink jet work ok? I live in a small recreational area so not a large volumn area. I feel a good use of sublimation will be for placques (Plates) and other personalized pieces along with sublimated tiles.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Is there a preferred provider of sublimation inks you prefer? Why?
John
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
21 Dec 2004
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#4] 22 Dec 2004
John,
How much experience do have with graphics programs? If you're adept at Corel Draw and Photo Paint etc., your entry to sublimation will be much easier.
My personal opinion, is that monochrome (single-color, usually black) laser sublimation is a great starting point and should be standard equipment in any self-respecting awards shop :-). A black imprint on gold or silver aluminum, is a color combination that will never go out of fashion.
Working in color is a whole different animal. Besides knowledge of graphics programs, you'll have to have a grasp of color theory i.e. yellow and blue = green, etc.
Although I've seen decent photographic reproduction on laser sublimation equipment, ink jet does a better job on photos and the ink has more UV resistance than laser toner.
If you're in the U.S., your choices of ink, for small format printers are limited to Sublijet (Sawgrass Technologies) and ArTainium (Tropical Graphics, LLC - a subsidiary of Sawgrass Technologies)
I happen to use ArTainium ink. It's less expensive than Sublijet, but prices increases, slated for January, will bring the price of ArTainium much closer to that of Sublijet.
There are satisfied users of both inks.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6]
22 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 23 Dec 2004
Hi David.. thanks for the reply... well, in regards to 'Adept' or not sometimes 'yes'; sometimes no... hopefully the 'stuff' learned will stay in and fall out ... if you know what I mean or is that really 'inept'? :-) I have utilized both programs for a while but still learning. I appreciate your suggestions and looking forward to learning more. I further appreciate your recommendation to the other DSSI forum as that is very helpful as well.
I assume you utilize your laser printer primarily instead of a ink jet printer? Do you have a good recommendation for brand/model to start out with in both categories?
Thanks again...
John
ps: hoping to make it to Las Vegas and meet up with you!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
23 Dec 2004
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6] 27 Dec 2004
John,
Actually, I use my ink jet system more than my laser sublimation system(s). That's because I'm often using white metal, for namebadges, or dealing with photographs. Both applications better suited to ink jet.
When it comes to gold and silver metal, without photos, I use a HP 4550 (4-color) laser printer. Oddly enough, with all the color capability, I still do a lot of black (only) imprinting on metal.
I may buy another black sublimation cartridge for my HP Laserjet 4m (monochrome). I bought the HP 4550 after the 4m cartridge was on its last leg, which happened to be after 4 years! The 4m doesn't take as long to warm up. The 4550 (initially) goes through about 4 min. of warming up and calibrating before you can print.
Equipment recommendations? Hmmm...that depends.
Will you need larger than 8.5 x 14 transfer sizes? Which substrates will you most often be printing?
PS - After the holidays, I'll kick off the "Who's going to Las Vegas" thread. Hope to add your name to the list :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 23 Dec 2004 by DGL
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
23 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7] 24 Dec 2004
David,
Over the past couple of days I have done more black on brass laser sublimated plates than any time this year. Much of that I can contribute to my mechanical engraver going on a temporary fritz. Customers who originally came in for engraved plates have been thrilled with the look of sublimated black on brass.
Since buying my HP4550 system, I have been doing a great deal of black on brass printing. Like you, I may also begin looking into a monochrome printer for the same reasons mentioned. If the HP 1012 has a sublimation toner supplier, I may be doing a test run on myself. I like the fact that these machines begin printing immediately.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9]
24 Dec 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8] 24 Dec 2004
David,
A wide variety of printers use the same style cartridges. Basically, you have the "EX and "SX". To see an impressive list of the printers in which these cartridges fit, check out the website of Texas Original Graphics (TOG).
I didn't see the HP 1012 on their list.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10]
25 Dec 2004
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6] 27 Dec 2004
I have been using the Corel suite since version 2 many years ago. I had been using a different graphics package for a few years before till it did not work on the newer processors.
I have been using it heavily in recent years and have stuck with version 9 because I like it.
I definitely am still learning almost every time I use it. Don't feel bad about not knowing all of it, I doubt if anyone does.
From: geebeau [#11]
25 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9] 3 Jan 2005
I spoke with Jack at Alpha Supply for advise on the laser printer. What an unbelieveably nice fellow! Took the time to explain a bit about laser printers to me and recommended an HP 4. He suggested I call Midwest Laser, which I did. Spoke with the owner there and ultimately decided to buy a 4+ from them. I called Alpha back to order the black cartridge.
All in all, a pleasurable experience. I know I'll be able to reach out to these folks when I need help.
Steve
Custom ID
From: JHayes55 [#12]
26 Dec 2004
To: geebeau [#11] 26 Dec 2004
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13]
27 Dec 2004
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10] 28 Dec 2004
Harvey you are so right ... any more its more a question of functionality then as time and projects permit we can learn from the other features and of course, from great folks such as yourselves on this forum on optimizing both the software and the hardware 'tips & tricks'.
Thanks for responding...
John
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#14]
27 Dec 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7] 3 Jan 2005
David... thanks for the reply... I was hoping to at least order the printer and press before the end of the year to optimize some tax savings... I thought it would be relatively easy once i got some opinions here and the DSSI Forum but I think I am going a bit crazy looking at all the different opinions people have on equipment.
You stated you are utilizing your ink jet the most... what equipment do you have and if you were to start out again, or rather what would you recommend? I am not sure what size and/or substrates for sure I will be using but for sure on placques and plates plus, want to do some tile work as well. I can't imagine in my area that I will ever get beyond a 12" x 12" tile tho ... I hope I have that problem tho. :-)
John
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15]
3 Jan 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#14] 3 Jan 2005
John,
I'm mostly printing namebadges, award plaque plates, and ceramic and glass tiles.
I haven't had much need for a transfer size larger than 8.5 x 14. Of course, my equipment needs may not match yours. My primary ink jet sublimation printers are an Epson 900 and 980. I have an Epson 1520, which allows for a larger transfer, but I've back-burnered it for now.
As a general recommendation, I suggest that people start "relatively" small and develop a market for a new process. You don't want to severely under-equip yourself, though, the other side of that coin is being wide-eyed with the seemingly boundless opportunities and buying the biggest and best of everything.
All-too-often, I've seen those people wind up having to sell their state-of-the-art equipment, at bargain basement prices, merely because they never developed a market for a particular process.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#16]
3 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15] 3 Jan 2005
Hi David... I appreciate your response ... Yes, it is all too easy to go 'overboard' and buy too much, too exotic... I like your ideas and will go with them. I have to make sure the market Is There before I go crazy with my equipment.
John
Lakeshore Engraving